Behind every successful Friends of NRA event is a community of passionate individuals who believe in making a difference. Our volunteers don’t just support our mission, they define it. Their tireless efforts, creative energy, and commitment to freedom fuel the accomplishments of the Friends of NRA program.
The Friends of NRA volunteer of the year selection process begins at the local level, where NRA Field Representatives nominate an Area Volunteer of the Year either by gathering recommendations from committees or selecting a candidate based on firsthand experience. These individuals then advance to the regional level, where one Regional Volunteer of the Year is chosen and honored with travel and event accommodations for the NRA Annual Meetings.
Join us in recognizing the exceptional volunteers of 2025 who continue to make a meaningful impact and move the mission forward, one event at a time.
Keep reading to meet this year’s Regional Volunteers of the Year and Committee of the Year, recognized at the National Friends of NRA Event during the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas.
Kevin Howard - New Hampshire
Kevin is the Chairman of the Upper Valley Friends of NRA event and has also led the Tri Rivers banquet for the past two years. Alongside his wife, Peg, he coordinates a team of 10 friends and family to support these events. Actively involved in several other organizations, Kevin is a tireless advocate for the Friends of NRA program and a passionate supporter of Second Amendment rights.
Sandy Hickerson & Rosemary Hickerson - New Jersey
Sandy has led her Friends of NRA committee for the past two years, building strong community support through underwriting and donations. Under her leadership, attendance grew by 30, helping them sell out the venue last year. Together with her mother, Rosemary, who was legally blind, Sandy created four quilts for auction at multiple events—a labor of love that honored their shared passion. Rosemary sadly passed away in May, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and dedication.
Dave Atkinson & Randy Atkinson – Pennsylvania
“Dave and Randy are known throughout Western PA as the ‘Bearded Brothers’ and they work on the success of not only their local banquet, but the entire Western PA Friends of NRA program. They attend 5–10 banquets annually, support pre- and post-event raffles including one at their local county fair. They have been involved with Friends of NRA for 32 years and the Western PA program is stronger because they are both involved.”
– Cory Schaeffer, NRA Field Representative
Sherry Ramey – Virginia
“Sherry is passionate about the success of the Friends of NRA program. Through her involvement with local shooting clubs, she takes great pride in seeing firsthand how her fundraising efforts make a meaningful impact in her community.”
– Jacob Royer, NRA Field Representative
Sandy Salkovick – Ohio
“Sandy embodies the kind of dedicated volunteer we work so hard to find and rarely do. Her impact has been extraordinary. Thanks to her efforts, Ohio has surpassed $1 million in net fundraising, our treasurers are better trained, and thousands of ticket buyers have a trusted point of contact who reassures them that their raffle entries are secure and accounted for.
Her commitment, professionalism, and genuine connection with people have strengthened the program in ways that are both measurable and lasting. In short, Friends of NRA in Ohio is stronger, more effective, and more trusted because Sandy Salkovick is part of the team.”
– Marc Peugeot, Senior NRA Field Representative
Dave Mason - Virginia
“Dave goes above and beyond to help Virginia Friends of NRA events. He is willing to help in any way possible from traveling to help start new committees to working at gun shows. He’s an outstanding volunteer who has a great mind for fundraising.”
– Brandon Spence, NRA Field Representative
Anthony Forte – North Carolina
“Anthony is widely respected and likable, inspiring others to collaborate and get involved. He contributes to state workshops, mentors committees, and dedicates countless hours to promoting Friends of NRA. In every way, Tony exemplifies what it means to be a Volunteer of the Year. Leading by example, he motivates others to join the effort and strengthen the Friends of NRA program. He is truly one of the most dedicated volunteers you will ever meet.”
– Joe Puleo, NRA Field Representative
Joe Fackler – Indiana | 2025 Eastern Region Volunteer of the Year
“Joe is the definition of a great volunteer. His dedication to the organization is unmatched. Even though he is the Chairman of the largest banquet in the country, he does not stop there. He wants to help spread that success to the entire state. Joe has made it a point to come to as many events as possible and volunteers to run raffles and help with auctions at all of them. He is always the first person to ask if anyone needs help. I cannot think of better example of what a Volunteer of the Year should be. I am honored to have Joe as a leader on my team.”
– Josh Toennessen, Senior NRA Field Representative
Hubert Hoffman – Wisconsin
“Hubert exemplifies what it means to be a Friends of NRA Volunteer of the Year. His passion for the program is evident in everything he does—from organizing successful events and selling Wall of Guns tickets to representing Friends of NRA with professionalism at community gatherings, trap shoots, and sports shows. He sets a high standard for integrity, accountability, and enthusiasm, inspiring others to follow his lead. His leadership, moral character, and unwavering dedication to the mission make him an outstanding ambassador for the Friends of NRA program and a deserving recipient of this recognition.”
– Lauri Mayer, NRA Field Representative
David Hull – Missouri
“Dave is a dedicated volunteer who consistently goes above and beyond to support the mission. He attends multiple Missouri Friends of NRA events each year, demonstrating his ongoing commitment. Organized and community-minded, Dave is a natural leader who also actively participates in the grant meeting, helping ensure a meaningful impact.”
– Tim Besancenez, Senior NRA Field Representative
Oscar Oakes – Minnesota
“Oscar has worked diligently to expand outreach, bring in new supporters, and grow contributions to Friends of NRA. Recognizing the strong potential in Willmar, Minnesota, he is driven to take the event to the next level, embracing the challenge of filling the venue and maximizing net dollars raised. His goal-oriented mindset and eagerness to learn exemplifies what it means to be an Friends of NRA Chairman.”
– Eric Linder, NRA Field Representative
John and Tracey Warren – Illinois | 2025 Central Region Volunteers of the Year
“This husband-and-wife team is a cornerstone of excellence across Southern Illinois. In 2025 alone, they attended 12 Friends of NRA events and are consistently asked for their guidance and expertise. They are true stewards of the program and exemplify excellence in everything we stand for.”
– Jason Wolfe, NRA Field Representative
Joshua and Erin Smith – Texas
“Joshua Smith, alongside his wife, Erin, embody exceptional leadership. Their integrity, strong moral character, and ability to uplift others have earned them deep respect within the Friends of NRA community. Seeing the need for renewed growth in West Texas, Joshua has taken initiative year after year, with Erin supporting him every step of the way. For the past three years, they have successfully led a second annual event, demonstrating both commitment and foresight.”
– Tyler Ward, NRA Field Representative
Josh Palmore, Kelsey Gray & Adam Osborne – Tennessee
“Josh, Kelsey, and Adam have truly gone above and beyond in their dedication to the committee and their community. Over the past year, they have worked tirelessly at multiple festivals to help sell tickets and promote the banquet, while also proudly representing the committee in three community parades and numerous local events. Known fondly as the “Tennessee Trio,” their teamwork and reliability are unmatched; whenever help is needed, one call brings all three ready to serve. In 2025 alone, they attended 12 Friends of NRA banquets each, participated in two Gun O’Rama events, and supported the 30 Gun In One Hour Extravaganza, traveling across Tennessee and even to Tupelo, Mississippi to lend a hand. Their passion, consistency, and willingness to serve make them truly outstanding volunteers.”
– Tom Knight, Senior NRA Field Representative
Rick Hare - Texas
“Rick is a dedicated volunteer who exemplifies loyalty, perseverance, and commitment. As he continues to grow in his role, these qualities not only strengthen his local committee but also serve as an inspiration to those around him. Starting as an attendee, Rick took the next step and got involved becoming a true example of how one raised hand can lead to a meaningful and lasting impact.”
– Liz Foley, Senior NRA Field Representative
John Slaughter – South Carolina | 2025 Southern Region Volunteer of the Year
John has emerged as a powerhouse volunteer in South Carolina, consistently stepping up when it matters most. As a go-to auctioneer, he donates his time and talent wherever he’s needed, bringing energy, professionalism, and heart to every event he supports. John embodies the spirit of the Friends program—dependable, hardworking, and unwavering in the face of challenges. His commitment not only strengthens each event he touches but also sets the standard for the kind of volunteer who drives real growth and lasting impact.
Bob Clark – California
Bob is highly respected in his community and the other committees in Northern California. Over the last several years, he has built and continues to grow a cohesive and dedicated committee that shares the work and responsibility to make their dinners successful. He is always looking for creative ways to make the events successful and for attendees to have a great time. A quote from Bob says it all about his character, ‘I do it for the outcome and the organization, not for myself.’
Debby and Ben Cossart – California | 2025 Western Region Volunteers of the Year
“Debby and Ben lead not just with their actions, but with their hearts. They generously share their knowledge, experience, and encouragement, inspiring every team they touch to reach new heights. Their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, recognized not only by their committee but across the entire region. Through their leadership, they unite people, strengthen our mission, and set a shining example for others to follow.”
– Jason Russo, NRA Field Representative
Committee of the Year
Karnes County Friends of NRA, Falls City, TX
Raised over $300,000 for Friends of NRA
“Being named Committee of the Year and the highest netting Friends of NRA event in the nation for 2025 is a truly exceptional honor. The Karnes County Area Committee, led by Chairman and Treasurer LeRoy and Melinda Pawelek, has set the standard for what can be accomplished through dedicated leadership, passionate volunteers, and unwavering community support. In a county of just over 14,000 residents, this achievement is a powerful reminder that impact is not defined by size, but by commitment and purpose. This recognition belongs not only to the committee, but to every attendee, donor, sponsor, and supporter who made it possible.”
– Tyler Ward, NRA Field Representative
Each year, we recognize one outstanding volunteer, or volunteer couple, from each of the four regions across the United States, along with one exceptional committee, for their extraordinary contributions. Recently, at the National Friends of NRA Event during the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, we had the honor of recognizing these individuals and groups for going above and beyond in support of the Friends of NRA mission (pictured from left to right):
- 2025 Western Region Volunteers of the Year: Debby and Ben Cossart – California
- 2025 Southern Region Volunteer of the Year: John Slaughter – South Carolina
- 2025 Central Region Volunteers of the Year: John and Tracey Warren – Illinois
- 2025 Eastern Region Volunteer of the Year: Joe Fackler – Indiana
- 2025 Committee of the Year: Karnes County Friends of NRA, Falls City, TX
Would you like to become a volunteer?
Go to https://www.friendsofnra.org/get-involved/volunteer/ and sign up today!
